The restoration will be paid for through a £20m First World War Centenary Cathedral Repair Fund, which was made available to cathedrals in recognition of the role they are playing in the commemorations of that conflict.

Mr Brindley said: ‘It’s a major government grant to restore the tower in memory of those who died in the First World War.

‘It was built in about 1710, so it’s due a makeover.

‘During the next few months we’ll be taking off all the lead, renewing the galleon on the top, and strengthening the tower by putting lots of new woodwork inside it.

It’s a major job on a major city landmark

David Brindley

‘After next week or so we won’t see it again for some months because it will be surrounded in scaffolding.’